A year ahead of Assembly polls, the Sabah Chief Minister (CM) tasks the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah’ (GRS) core group with breaking the Warisan’s 2018 record, signalling an early launch of ‘Mission 2025’.
In the wake of the 2020 Sabah Assembly election, where the GRS managed to win 38 of the total 73 seats, Hajiji lead the next government, despite winning, they took some time to agree on the chief minister as alliance partner Barisan Nasional (BN) wanted to appoint someone from their ranks –Sabah BN chairman Bung Moktar. Fast forward to today, Hajiji is striving to script an unprecedented chapter in Sabah’s political history with the state inching closer to the 2025 polls.
At a recent GRS meeting, Hajiji unveiled his ambitious ‘Mission 2025’, speaking for 45 minutes to lay out a roadmap for repeating the magic of 2020.
Sabah has witnessed several achievements by the GRS government and the most recent one, the transfer of gas regulatory powers by the Federal Government to the State Government – the handing over of full regulatory control of the electricity supply in Sabah to the state government. And also another big achievement is the appointment of representatives from Sabah to the Inland Revenue Board had also affirmed the proposal by the Implementation Action Council for the 1963 Malaysia Agreement.
Advancing Sabah and improving the lives of the people, Hajiji believes he can amass a reservoir of goodwill capable of securing the victory he seeks. His target is big because his vision is larger, seeking to cement his legacy and push the boundaries of political achievement in the state.
Indeed, Hajiji’s emotional connect with the electorate a factor that has kept him at the centre of Sabah politics since his first major victory in 1990, as he contested in the 8th general election as a candidate for Sulaman state constituency representing United Sabah National Organisation (USNO) and subsequently won. And this has reinforced his critical importance within the Unity Government since the November 2022 election that gave him considerable bargaining power with his six MPs. Clearly, the GRS-PH Plus partnership is one of mutual necessity.
While Sabah Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman Christina Liew (but nevermind, Christina was ousted by Upko’s Evon Benedick, today 1st December. Christina holding Sabah Pakatan Harapan chairmanship since 2017) have publicly supported CM Hajiji’s continued leadership, there’s a deeper reality at play. Hajiji’s core support extends across traditional racial lines, especially among women, B40 group, the rural poor and students who have benefited from his policies. He has masterfully blended Sabah’s Bumiputra-driven politics with progressive, inclusive policies, making him indispensable to the GRS-PH Plus future in the state.
The track record highlights the ability to navigate the complexities of Sabah’s political landscape. No wonder the Assemblyman serving the seventh term remains the cornerstone of his party and the GRS-PH Plus most reliable asset in the state. Despite its national dominance, the PH can clearly not afford to distance itself from the man who has become synonymous with governance in Sabah.
In an era when charisma often eclipses capability, Hajiji stands out. Under his watch, Sabah has experienced a transformation, infrastructure and governance, no small feat for a state only five years ago under Warisan rule for less than 22 months was teetering on the edge of chaos. And beneath his calm demeanour lies the mind of a brilliant tactician. His race-neutral policies, particularly those aimed at empowering women and rural poor, have broadened his support base. This strategic inclusivity makes him irreplaceable for the PH whose national strength doesn’t always guarantee success in Sabah.
Hajiji is also a master of alliances. Over the years, he has skilfully manoeuvred the shifting tides of Sabah’s political scene, making and breaking alliances as needed. Today, the GRS is no longer the seamless coalition it once was, with challenges arising from allies from the Unity Government. However, for Hajiji, these tensions are opportunities.
Despite speculation of rifts within the Unity Government, Hajiji remains as sharp and savvy as ever. His critics argue that Shafie’s Warisan and Umno Sabah imminent tie up represents a formidable challenge, especially with Shafie’s growing popularity among the east-coast people.
Shafie and Bung Moktar may pitch themselves as the voice of change, focusing on issues like unemployment and economic stagnation, MA63, 40% revenue payment, Sabah ‘reps’ alleged corruption video produced by whistleblower, bad roads, water but Hajiji’s narrative is of governance and stability. For many voters, Hajiji represents a steady hand, offering a stark contrast to the political volatility of the past. Hajiji has demonstrated resilience, bouncing back each time his detractors counted him out.
As the countdown to the 2025 Assembly election begins, Hajiji will lean on his deep-rooted political instincts and organisational acumen to steer the GRS to another victory. His longevity in a state known for its unpredictable political dynamics is a testament not just to his electoral prowess, but also to his ability to shape Sabah’s future in ways that no other leader has managed.
In his address for the opening of the 16th State Legislative Assembly sitting recently, Sabah Head of State Tun Juhar Mahiruddin praised the state government for collecting a record-breaking revenue of RM6.974 billion in 2023, which surpassed the RM6.960 billion record the previous year, and commended Chief Minister Hajiji Noor.
*The author, Selvaraja Somiah is a geologist turned freelance writer.
**The views expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the position of Gagasan Rakyat.
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